Elie Tahari Amongst Brands Giving Back This Week

Following on from the shop-happy excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday today, ‘Giving Tuesday’ is becoming a popular time to introduce a charitable initiative, and be inspired by those working towards a cause…

For the many of us who have overspent in the cyber sales of recent days, it’s time to reflect on ways in which to give a little back. Last week, Iranian-American designer Elie Tahari began his Coats for a Cause campaign, raising money and awareness for Worldwide Orphans Foundation, enlisting bloggers and celebrities on Instagram to promote the cause, and giving 10 per cent of sales to the charity.

This week in New York, Uber began its ‘5 Days of Giving’ initiative, partnering with brands including Vince, L’Occitane and Diane von Furstenberg to deliver free gifts to riders in New York City who enter code ‘TAPGETGIVE’. And on Tuesday, which World Aids Day, riders will be able to donate to the charity (RED) through the Uber app.

In recent news closer to the region, a Dubai teacher is hoping to inspire his students by undertaking a 3,000 mile trip rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness about human trafficking in two weeks time. The British national is part of a three-man rowing team, which is gearing up to complete the epic trip rowing across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera (Canary Islands) to Antigua. “I wanted to give myself a challenge, push myself to my limits and, most importantly, help raise awareness for human trafficking,” LeeFelton said.The 40 days and 40 nights trip will see them row in pairs in two-hour shifts 24 hours a day in an attempt to raise over Dh600,000.

During this special time of commemoration in the UAE, and just ahead of the month when the word Peace is particularly prevalent, explore ways in which you can donate and offer support in the region, too, with Emirates Red Crescent (An attested as a member in the international Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies).